ATA Carnet
ATA Carnet (Boomerang Carnets) is the US- and UK-appointed issuer of ATA Carnets — international customs documents enabling duty-free temporary importation into 87+ countries — serving manufacturers, orchestras, film productions, aerospace/defense firms, and trade-show exhibitors through standard and 24/7 same-day processing from its Barrington, IL headquarters.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersBarrington, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What ATA Carnet does
ATA Carnet, operating under the trade name Boomerang Carnets, is the US-appointed ATA Carnet Service Provider for the United States Council for International Business (USCIB) and, through partnership with the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, the only carnet issuer in the world able to issue ATA Carnets in both the US and UK. The firm, legally Corporation for International Business, was founded by Bruce A. Wilson in the mid-1980s and remains a family-owned business now led by Curt E.H. Wilson (President & CEO), Leslie Levy August (Vice Chair & COO), and Monika Jadeszko (VP, Global Carnet Operations). Headquartered in Barrington, Illinois, with satellite offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas, the company processes ATA Carnets — internationally accepted customs documents that enable duty- and tax-free temporary importation of goods into 87+ countries and territories — for a customer base spanning manufacturing, aerospace and defense, medical devices, scientific equipment, automotive (Harley-Davidson), orchestras (Chicago Symphony Orchestra), film and video production, jewelry/luxury goods, and trade-show exhibitors. The product portfolio centers on the core paper ATA Carnet plus the newly launched eATA Carnet (digital carnet, 2026), with ancillary offerings including Boomerang Freight Solutions (logistics/customs entry for carnet holders, launched 2020), Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) for motor vehicles, Same Day Carnet Service (24/7 priority processing in four US gateway cities), Boomerang Carnet Distribution Centers at major airports, Media Carnets for the creative screen industries, and a 35+ year Strategic Partner Network.
Revenue mechanics are based on per-carnet processing fees (standard processing included for applications received before 4:00 PM Central Time on weekdays) plus tiered same-day surcharges ranging from $150 (before 4 PM) to $350 (weekends/holidays), with separate courier charges on top. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed in full. The go-to-market combines inside sales through the Carnet HelpLine (1-800-282-2900), self-serve via webapp.atacarnet.com, channel partnerships with freight forwarders and licensed customs brokers, and referral/affiliate relationships with industry associations (League of American Orchestras, Association of British Orchestras, Media Training Hub). Distribution Centers with on-site airport service at ORD, LAX, JFK, and DFW create a same-day service footprint aligned to major cargo gateways, and the firm holds a 5-star Trustpilot rating on 1,406 reviews. The broader ATA Carnet system issues ~200,000 carnets globally per year across 87+ countries; the firm has been the recipient of the WIT-NC Company of the Year award and operates with 11–50 employees across US and UK operations.
ATA Carnet firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ATA Carnet
- Legal name
- Corporation for International Business
- Website
- https://atacarnet.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ATA Carnet (Boomerang Carnets) is the US- and UK-appointed issuer of ATA Carnets — international customs documents enabling duty-free temporary importation into 87+ countries — serving manufacturers, orchestras, film productions, aerospace/defense firms, and trade-show exhibitors through standard and 24/7 same-day processing from its Barrington, IL headquarters.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ATA Carnet industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Customs documentation and international trade services
- akta.pro primary industry
- In-Transit & Special Regimes Processing (Transit, TIR/ATA Carnet, Temporary Import/Export) (TLACAFAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Customs, Port Health & Border Agency Integration Solutions (TLAHAOAG), Fleet Remarketing & Vehicle Disposal (Auctions, Buyback, Resale) (TLABAHAN)
Keywords
Where ATA Carnet is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Barrington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
ATA Carnet business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- ATA Carnet Processing Fees: Processing fees for ATA Carnet applications, with same-day processing available for additional charges. Standard processing is included with no additional charge for applications received before 4:00 PM Central Time.
- Same Day Delivery Service: Premium same-day carnet delivery service with tiered pricing based on time of receipt and location. Additional charges for guaranteed or faster delivery.
- Freight Solutions Services: Boomerang Freight Solutions provides logistics, customs entry, duty management, and import services for carnet holders.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Processing - No additional charge for applications received before 4:00 PM CST Mon-Fri |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | 24-Hour Processing - Additional fees apply after 4:00 PM CST |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Same Day Service - Premium tier pricing |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Carnet Cost Example - $400 estimated ATA Carnet cost for $20,000 industrial equipment across 3 countries |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels9 records
ATA Carnet product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ATA Carnet (Boomerang Carnets) issues ATA Carnets — internationally accepted unified customs documents that allow duty- and tax-free temporary importation of goods, merchandise, and equipment across 87+ countries and territories. The carnet is valid for 6–12 months and can be used multiple times during its period of validity, serving as a single document replacing multiple customs forms. Supporting offerings include the digital eATA Carnet, Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) for motor vehicles, and Boomerang Freight Solutions for carnet-related logistics and customs entry services.
Product overview
ATA Carnet (operating as Boomerang Carnets) offers a portfolio of international customs facilitation services centered on the ATA Carnet document - an internationally accepted customs paper/digital document that enables duty- and tax-free temporary importation across 90+ countries. The core offering is the ATA Carnet and its digital counterpart (eATA Carnet). Supporting services include Boomerang Freight Solutions for logistics management, Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) for motor vehicles, Same Day Carnet Service for urgent processing, Boomerang Carnet Distribution Centers at major U.S. and U.K. airports, the Strategic Partner Network, Media Carnets for the production industry, and 24/7 Carnet HelpLine support.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ATA Carnet (Boomerang Carnets) Core internationally accepted unified customs document enabling duty- and tax-free temporary importation of goods, merchandise, and equipment across 90+ countries and territories; valid for 6 to 12 months and can be used multiple times during its period of validity. Used by manufacturers, trade show exhibitors, orchestras, film productions, and professional equipment users.
- eATA Carnet (Digital ATA Carnet) The digital/electronic version of the ATA Carnet, part of a global transition to electronic carnet documentation with new digital benefits enhancing security and compliance.
- Boomerang Freight Solutions Freight service for carnet holders providing logistics, customs entry, duty management, and import services. Includes international trade and transportation expertise, domestic and foreign customs knowledge, and Strategic Partner Network support.
- Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) International customs document for the temporary admission of motor vehicles (private and commercial road motor vehicles) in countries where required. Issued for the U.S. and Canada.
- Same Day Carnet Service Priority processing and delivery service for ATA Carnet applications, available 24/7 including weekends and holidays. Available in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York-JFK, and Dallas with on-site customer service at regional international airports on request.
- Media Carnets Premium carnet expertise for the production industry, serving film, video, entertainment, and creative screen sectors with specialized ATA Carnet services and industry-specific guidance.
Quantifiable outcome
- $1,200,000 in duties and taxes avoided over 20 years vs $28,668 in carnet costs for one manufacturer client
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use ATA Carnet
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
ATA Carnet technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
ATA Carnet partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- USCIB (United States Council for International Business)coreAppointed ATA Carnet Service Provider for USCIB, which serves as the national guaranteeing association for ATA Carnets in the United States. USCIB administers and guarantees carnets and Boomerang operates as an authorized issuing authority under this partnership.
- Liverpool Chamber of Commerce (UK)coreUK issuing authority partnership enabling Boomerang carnets to issue ATA Carnets in the United Kingdom. This partnership broke previous UK issuing records in October 2018.
- League of American OrchestrascoreStrategic partnership including annual sponsorship of League conferences, Carnets Play the World grant program for orchestra operations professionals attending annual conference. Special benefits for League members including discounted Return Carnet Delivery.
- QCCI (Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry)minorQCCI is the national guaranteeing association for ATA Carnets in Qatar (78th country to join the system). Responsible for guaranteeing payment of import duty and tax to other carnet countries as well as issuing Qatar carnets for use abroad.
- London Chamber of Commerce and IndustrycoreNational guaranteeing association for ATA Carnets in the United Kingdom. UK will continue issuing carnets as present during Brexit transition and beyond.
- Media Training HubminorPartnership with Media Training Hub for educational webinars on ATA Carnet use for creative screen industries. Eric Huyton of Media Training Hub co-presents with Boomerang specialists on industry-specific carnet guidance.
- Air Freight ForwardersminorPartnership with air freight forwarders to provide ATA Carnets for international boomerang freight. Forwarders benefit from round-trip shipment revenue (double typical one-way) and specialized airport meet-and-greet services for hand-carried shipments.
- David Sheldrick Wildlife TrustminorCSR partnership - Boomerang carnets fosters Mukkoka, an orphaned baby elephant at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, demonstrating commitment to wildlife conservation and stewardship.
- Marine Toys for TotsminorCSR partnership - annual collection and matching donations to Marine Toys for Tots program. Collection bins at headquarters in Barrington, IL with company matching all contributions.
- Association of British OrchestrasminorPartnership with Association of British Orchestras for UK-based orchestra carnet services and the Carnets Play the World grant program launch in UK.
- ICPA (International CPT Association)minorPartnership with ICPA - children's charity sponsorship. Boomerang carnets sponsors ICPA events including raffles and charitable activities.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
ATA Carnet competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- C.H. Robinson: Major global logistics and freight forwarding company with customs brokerage and trade compliance services. Comparable as a logistics partner in the carnet ecosystem and competitor for adjacent freight and customs entry services through Boomerang Freight Solutions.
- Bureau Veritas: Global testing, inspection, and certification company with significant trade compliance and customs services practices. Comparable as an incumbent in customs-related trade services with the scale and geographic reach that contrasts with Boomerang's carnet-specialist focus.
- International Chamber of Commerce (ICC): World business organization and administrator of the ATA Carnet system and Istanbul Convention globally. Comparable as the umbrella body that establishes carnet rules and coordinates 87+ national guaranteeing associations, including USCIB and the UK chambers Boomerang works with.
- United States Council for International Business (USCIB): National guaranteeing association for ATA Carnets in the United States and Boomerang's principal regulatory partner. Comparable as the upstream authority governing carnet issuance in the US, with broader remit covering international trade policy, ICC representation, and business advocacy.
- Cotecna: Global trade facilitation and customs services company offering inspection, verification, and customs brokerage across multiple geographies. Comparable as a broader-scope customs and trade services provider that overlaps with Boomerang Freight Solutions' logistics and customs entry capabilities.
- DHL Global Forwarding: One of the world's largest air and ocean freight forwarders with customs brokerage and trade compliance services. Comparable as a freight forwarder partner ecosystem member that complements Boomerang's carnet issuance with actual cargo movement and customs clearance.
Direct peers
- London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI): UK national guaranteeing association for ATA Carnets and Boomerang's core UK partner. Directly comparable as the governing body for carnet issuance in the UK market, with similar document processing, regulatory liaison, and trade compliance functions.
- Liverpool Chamber of Commerce: UK ATA Carnet issuing authority that partnered with Boomerang to provide UK carnet services. Comparable as a regional chamber issuing carnets under the same ICC/Istanbul Convention framework, serving UK exporters and importers with carnet processing.
Regional players
- Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI): Japanese national guaranteeing association for ATA Carnets and major carnet issuer in Asia. Comparable as a foreign national carnet authority serving exporters and importers in its home market, with similar document issuance, customs liaison, and trade facilitation functions.
- Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI): National guaranteeing association for ATA Carnets in Qatar and 78th country to join the carnet system. Comparable as a foreign national carnet authority in the Middle East with similar document issuance and customs guarantee responsibilities in its home market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ATA Carnet social profiles
Digital presenceATA Carnet financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ATA Carnet leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
ATA Carnet subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
ATA Carnet funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ATA Carnet M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ATA Carnet
What does ATA Carnet do?
ATA Carnet (Boomerang Carnets) issues ATA Carnets — internationally accepted unified customs documents that allow duty- and tax-free temporary importation of goods, merchandise, and equipment across 87+ countries and territories. The carnet is valid for 6–12 months and can be used multiple times during its period of validity, serving as a single document replacing multiple customs forms. Supporting offerings include the digital eATA Carnet, Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) for motor vehicles, and Boomerang Freight Solutions for carnet-related logistics and customs entry services.
Is ATA Carnet a public or private company?
ATA Carnet is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was ATA Carnet founded?
ATA Carnet was founded in 1986. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ATA Carnet based?
ATA Carnet is headquartered in Barrington, United States, in the North America region.
How does ATA Carnet make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. ATA Carnet Processing Fees are the primary driver. The others are same Day Delivery Service and freight Solutions Services.
Who are ATA Carnet's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are C.H. Robinson, Bureau Veritas, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), United States Council for International Business (USCIB), Cotecna and DHL Global Forwarding. Direct peers are London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce. Regional players are Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI).
Does ATA Carnet have an API?
No public API is recorded for ATA Carnet.
What industry is ATA Carnet in?
ATA Carnet's product category is Customs documentation and international trade services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLACAFAJ, In-Transit & Special Regimes Processing (Transit, TIR/ATA Carnet, Temporary Import/Export), with a secondary code of TLAHAOAG, Customs, Port Health & Border Agency Integration Solutions.